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Linking Changes in Contraceptive Use to Declines in Teen Pregnancy Rates

Author

Listed:
  • Jennifer Manlove

    (Reproductive Health & Family Formation, Child Trends, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA)

  • Quentin Karpilow

    (Reproductive Health & Family Formation, Child Trends, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA)

  • Kate Welti

    (Reproductive Health & Family Formation, Child Trends, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA)

  • Adam Thomas

    (Reproductive Health & Family Formation, Child Trends, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
    McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA)

Abstract

Using a unique microsimulation tool, Teen FamilyScape, the present study explores how changes in the mix of contraceptive methods used by teens contributed to the decline in the U.S. teen pregnancy rate between 2002 and 2010. Results indicate that changes in contraceptive use contributed to approximately half of the decline in the teen pregnancy rate during this time period (48%) and that a little more than half of this “contraceptive effect” was due to an increase in teen condom use (58%). The remaining share of the contraceptive effect can be attributed to an increase in the use of more effective hormonal (pill, patch, ring) and long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC)/injectable methods (Intrauterine Devices (IUD), implant and injectable). Results from an additional counterfactual analysis suggest that the contraceptive effect was driven by the fact that the percentage of teens using no birth control fell during the study time period, rather than by the fact that some teens switched from less effective methods (condoms) to more effective hormonal and LARC/injectable methods. However, very high typical use failure rates for teen condom users suggest the need for a two-pronged approach for continuing reductions in teen pregnancy for sexually active teens: first, targeting the youth most at risk of not using contraception and helping them choose contraception, and second, increasing the effectiveness of method use among existing contraceptors.

Suggested Citation

  • Jennifer Manlove & Quentin Karpilow & Kate Welti & Adam Thomas, 2015. "Linking Changes in Contraceptive Use to Declines in Teen Pregnancy Rates," Societies, MDPI, vol. 6(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:6:y:2015:i:1:p:1-:d:61259
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Santelli, J.S. & Lindberg, L.D. & Finer, L.B. & Singh, S., 2007. "Explaining recent declines in adolescent pregnancy in the United States: The contribution of abstinence and improved contraceptive use," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 97(1), pages 150-156.
    2. Melissa Schettini Kearney & Phillip B. Levine, 2012. "Explaining Recent Trends in the U.S. Teen Birth Rate," NBER Working Papers 17964, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. repec:mpr:mprres:8056 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Brian Goesling & Silvie Colman & Christopher Trenholm & Mary Terzian & Kristin Moore, "undated". "Programs to Reduce Teen Pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Associated Sexual Risk Behaviors: A Systematic Review," Mathematica Policy Research Reports 79abd8a5ae924d15a82e0ee44, Mathematica Policy Research.
    5. Krystale Littlejohn, 2012. "Hormonal Contraceptive Use and Discontinuation Because of Dissatisfaction: Differences by Race and Education," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 49(4), pages 1433-1452, November.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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